Peter's Death and Glorification of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Seventh Week :  Friday*

*Gospel : Jn 21:15-19*

*First Reading : Acts 25:13b-21*

*Responsorial Psalm : 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab*

*Peter's Death and Glorification of God*

*1) Peter's Death and Its Meaning*

Peter's death refers to the crucifixion of Peter, who, according to tradition, was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero and crucified upside down. 

This is because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.

*2) Suffering for Christ's Sake Glorifies God* (John 21:19)

Jesus directly connects Peter’s future suffering with glorifying God. 

This reflects a powerful truth in Christian discipleship: even suffering and martyrdom can be acts of witness and glory to God when borne out of love and faithfulness.

Cf. 1 Peter 4:16 — *“Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.”*

*3) “Stretching out hands” – A Cruciform Life*

The imagery of *“stretching out your hands”* is often interpreted as a reference to crucifixion. 

It also symbolizes total surrender and obedience to God's will, following Christ even unto death.

Peter, who once denied Jesus out of fear, ultimately becomes the rock of faith who embraces the cross.

*4) Discipleship Includes the Cross* (Luke 9:23)

*“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”* 

Peter’s death exemplifies this ultimate discipleship — a complete identification with the suffering Christ.

*5) God is Glorified in the Faithful Witness of His Saints*

Peter’s martyrdom, like that of many apostles and saints, is not a defeat but a victory of faith, a sign that the kingdom of God is worth more than life itself.

Revelation 12:11 — *“They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death”*.

*6) Peter's Death and Jesus' call Follow Me*

Peter glorified God by his death not just because of the physical suffering he endured, but because of the *faith, love, and obedience* he demonstrated to the very end. 

His life and death echo the call of Jesus: “Follow me.” (John 21:19). He typically followed Jesus in everything, especially in his Death

*7) From Denial to Devotion*

Peter denied Christ three times (Luke 22:61-62), but later affirmed his love for Jesus three times (John 21:15–17), and ultimately sealed his faith with his blood.

His martyrdom is the completion of his conversion — a total self-gift.

He showed that God’s mercy can restore and empower even the weakest.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*